An exhausted but exhilarated 15-year- old Australian schoolgirl, Jessica Watson, navigated a yacht into Whangarei Harbour yesterday after a 12-day voyage from Australia in preparation for a solo voyage around the world.
"I'm exhausted and swaying still," said the youngster, who plans to set off on her round-the-world trip at the end of this year.
Jessica told the Sunshine Coast Daily newspaper that the biggest challenge during the trip was keeping her cool. "It tested the patience," she said. "We had wind on the nose, and then no wind on the nose ... it was wet and bouncy.
"The last couple of nights were hard work," she said.
"But every time we set out it helps. It's a big confidence boost."
The intuitive yachtie said that tips she had picked up skippering a crew of three on the voyage from Mooloolaba were immeasurable.
She is now busy planning her solo bid to become the youngest person to sail non-stop, unassisted, around the world: "There's a hell of a lot to do between now and then".
She doesn't have any illusions about what will be required: "I'd be about nine or ten months on my own."
